Likely everyone knows about the false stories NBC news anchor Brian Williams repeated about aircraft he was in, a chopper in Iraq, coming under fire by an RPD. This story & video is instructive about why the network took this severe action, reading the text is useful too.

On the one hand you can say that he seriously compromised the credibility of the network & nightly news & gave a "lame & inaccurate" apology. That a 6 month leave of ansense with pay is apropriate punishment & necessary for NBC to best recover from the damage William's inflicted.

Or you can argue that he never intended to fabricate a story, that numerous studies show how very intelligent & honest people are prone to false memories, & a lesser sanction was called for.

Is he a good natured & honorable guy & just got carried away in the heat of the moment, legitimately confused & his intentions & record should mitigate consequences?

Or a showboat who was at least careless enough with the truth due to getting caught up in celebrity appearances who must be made this level of example of for the good of all?

And John Stewart is retiring! The major source of news for many young people.

Is the Brian Williams 6 month suspension without pay a fair & necessary level of sanction?

It is just about exactly what is deserved & what the network needed to do.

He should be suspended even longer &/or fired.

He should have a lesser punishment as bt considering his history & motivation.

He should be sent to a Gulag for a decade, then death row.

He fooled us that puckish 'lil sprite, throw him wine, woman & song + a big raise.